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The Keys to Martial Arts Life Mastery
Key#1: The Power of the Leader Within
by Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
Deep within each one of us is a driving force waiting for its time
in the sun. We recognized it as children as we dreamed of great
things in our futures. Without knowing it, we were expressing our
drive to be leaders - at least of our own lives. The martial arts
has been helping others to unlock their potential and take their
place as leaders for centuries. Today, more and more people just
like you are finding their key on the path to Black Belt Mastery.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seem almost
programmed to ask it, don't they? Maybe you remember asking your own
or another's child recently that same question. Remember?
I do.
And - do you remember any of your answers to that question? I know
it probably changed many times throughout the process of "growing
up" but can you remember some of the answers?
I remember some of mine: policeman, fireman, architect, lawyer. I'm
sure there were more but can't remember too many at this point. What
I do remember is the feeling that went along with the decision of
choosing one or another. It was a feeling of being in a position of
importance. To be able to help others in need or to be looked upon
with respect and admiration because I created something really
great.
I didn't know it then but I was expressing the drive to be a leader.
Maybe not the 'top' leader like a general or the president but a
leader who made things happen in the world. I wanted to be someone
who lead the way, not followed. Many people would say that I, and
many greater men and women before me were born or destined to be
leaders - as though fate had somehow selected us at birth to be who
we are today. I know that many believe that leaders are born, but I
can assure you that leaders are made.
Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being a
leader. However, learning to develop the traits of confidence,
compassion, respect, and many more, do. Having a vision and the
ability to communicate that vision to others - setting down a
workable plan and having the discipline to act upon that plan until
the vision, goal or dream has become real in the world - are the
signs of a leader.
I believe that whenever we feel the drive to step out of our
day-to-day routine - to volunteer time and energy to a local cause
like the fire department, Scouts, or other group - and yes, to join
a martial arts school - we are seeking to get back to that drive
toward leadership.
Everyone, whether secretly or publicly wants to be a leader. Parents
want their children to grow up to be leaders - not followers. It's a
natural drive. But, many of us either have not been 'lucky' enough
to encounter role models in our lives who pointed the way or showed
us how, or we did and didn't recognize the gift presented to us at
the time. What if we didn't overlook the gift hidden in the
question? What if we didn't forget the dreams of the child still
there within us?
In the martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the Black Belt. In
many arts, like ninjutsu, it 's not so much the belt as the rank,
skill, or title of authority that tells others that you have more to
offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.
The true master is the person who is strong enough to do whatever is
necessary. He or she is powerful enough to do real damage but
exceeds that ability with the power of choice - the power to choose
peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel
it when you're near them. You can sense it when they speak.
Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders. Many more tell you to
take more responsibility (another important trait of a leader) and
go after what you want, but, there just aren't that many who will
show you step-by-step, just how to go about doing it like a good
martial arts master. I feel especially fortunate in this respect.
Fortunate to have encountered teachers, guides and role-models in my
own life that were strong and powerful enough to have shared with me
the knowledge for taking charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now
pass on to my children and students.
So, what about you? Are you living up to your fullest potential? Are
you ready to join others just like yourself on the path of the
Warrior Leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?
We're waiting for you!
Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior
Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art
of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of
self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is
easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and
corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students
and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them
create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills
necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten
it. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the
martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement,
visit his website at
www.warrior-concepts-online.com |
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